02/05/2026
Here's some useful info for people who work with kids. And protect them! I copied this from the Minor Performer Alliance.
What Entertainment Professionals Need to Know
California AB 653 (Chapter 379): What Entertainment Professionals Need to Know
Late last year, California enacted Assembly Bill 653 to modernize child-protection safeguards in the entertainment industry. The bill amends the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA) to expressly include talent agents, talent managers, and talent coaches who provide services to minors as mandated reporters. While the industry has long embraced strong protections for young performers, these changes reflect a recognition that the professional landscape around child talent has evolved.
Why the Change was Made
AB 653 was driven by the fact that child performers often spend substantial time with adults outside of traditional school or medical settings. Talent representatives and coaches are frequently among the most consistent adults in a young performer’s professional life and may be well positioned to notice warning signs of abuse or neglect. Prior law did not always clearly cover these roles, creating uncertainty about reporting obligations. AB 653 closes that gap.
How It Affects Specific Professions
For talent agents and managers, the bill formalizes an obligation many of you already take seriously. When, in the course of professional duties, there is knowledge of or reasonable suspicion of abuse or neglect, a report must be made in accordance with CANRA procedures. Acting coaches, performance coaches, and similar instructors are now explicitly included as well. Importantly, mandated reporters are not expected to prove abuse. They only have to report reasonable suspicion.
Impact on the Entertainment Industry at Large
At an industry level, AB 653 promotes greater trust and professionalism. Studios, producers, and employers benefit from a clearer compliance framework and a shared standard of care across the talent ecosystem. By reinforcing early reporting and accountability, the change helps protect minors while also reducing long-term risk exposure for productions and representatives.
For industry professionals who support young talent, AB 653 should be viewed not as a burden, but as a codification of best practices already embraced by responsible representatives and educators. It strengthens the industry’s commitment to child safety while preserving the collaborative, supportive environment essential to developing the next generation of performers.
If you have any questions about how the new law may affect your agency, firm or production, please don’t hesitate to reach out to use at Minor Performer Alliance directly.
